Hawaii Kai penthouse is good for the long term

Initially, I thought this penthouse in the Commodore on Hahaione St. was a pretty cool rental listing-it's huge, with almost 4,000 square feet of living area over two floors, and has four open lanais. The custom, koa wood den seemed unusually luxurious for a rental.

"It's a great, split-level executive penthouse, available as a one-year, long-term rental," says property manager Radji Tolentino of Island, REALTORS. "But you'll want to get the photos from the realtor listing it for sale."

Really? The unit is for sale or rent? Either choice requires some kind of long-term commitment; I guess it just depends on the kind of commitment you want.

"It's the best valued penthouse in Honolulu," says listing agent Brandon Kim. "It was luxuriously renovated in the last 10 years or so, with Italian cabinets, granite counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator and marble floors. Oh, and that koa-wood-paneled den even has built-in bookshelves and a koa closet."

The grand entry is impressive, as are the 12-foot vaulted ceilings. Of the four open lanais, one is a sundeck, with ocean and mountain views.

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, in which the master bath has a jacuzzi tub and shower. Because it's so expansive, the master bedroom has "his and her" closets, and the unit itself provides a lot of storage space.

The building has some nice amenities, such as a library, men's and women's saunas, locker rooms, exercise rooms, and a pool and barbecue area.

I know what some of you are thinking: "Can I rent to own?" I highly doubt that's an option, but that's something you can probably talk about with the realtors.

To rent, click here.
Money talk: $4,450 per month
Contact: Radji Tolentino, Island, REALTORS, 808-687-8024, radji.tolentino@islandrealtorsllc.com

To buy, click here.
Money talk: $899,000 fee simple
Contact: Brandon Kim, Kahala Associates, 808-383-7603, brandonekim@aol.com